We have made it to Week 8, Term 4. Thank you so much for your support over the last few weeks for our EOTC programmes. These take a lot of planning and work and could not be done without community support. A huge thank you to Mr Antony Easto for his roll as EOTC co-ordinator, ensuring all events can go ahead. All the learners came back from their experiences buzzing with joy and excitement.  Another big thank you to those parents that gave time to help walk the children to the pools over the last few weeks. This introduction to water safety is very important in our small island country. Thank you to Tracey Vanxay for her work in co-ordinating this. We are coming close to our traditional final celebrations such as Prize Giving, Leavers' Dinner and final Mass. These events take a lot of planning and preparation so thank you to the teams behind each event for your hard work. Keep checking the school facebook page, Seesaw and newsletter regarding any updates to these events until the end of the year. 

Building Project

The building project continues with Fosters now onsite and the pad in preparation. Services such as waste water and drains are being investigated this week for upgrades and connections. It is exciting seeing the range of trucks and machinery come down the driveway. With all this activity it is a good reminder to think about walking to pick up and drop off children here at school. The weather is stunning at the moment and a short walk at the beginning or the end of the school day can help settle the mind in this busy time. It will also free up access to the carpark and school for those coming from a little further away.

The senior Years 7 and 8 have had an amazing camp experience. A huge thank you to all the parents and helpers who came in support. A further big thank you to the Year 7 and 8 teachers and Whaea Paula who also gave their time, effort and energy to the successful camp. These moments are what you remember forever from your school experience and is a great way for our Year 8 learners to have a fabulous send off from school. 

The Giving Tree is looking amazing after a couple of weeks of our community coming together. The Tree will stay up until the end of school when the Vinnies will collect the donations to distribute. Thank you to our Young Vinnies and Mrs Williams for leading us in our donations. 

Who your class is shopping for: 

Kiwi - Mum, dad and two girls, (Toddler and an 8 year eight) 

Korimako - Husband and wife x 2 

Ruru A - mum, dad and four children Ages needed + genders 

Ruru B - Mum, dad and daughter (15 years old) 

Kea- Mum with 3 boys (9, 10, 11 years old)  

Karearea - Mum with two girls (7 and 9) 

Tara Iti - Mum with three boys (toddler, 13, 15 years old) 

Tui - Mum and one boy (5 years old) 

Hoiho - Mum and one boy (14 years old) 

We have found families in our Melville community who would appreciate our donations and gifts this Christmas. Anything would be greatly appreciated such as clothes, toiletries, food and toys. Please do not wrap the gifts, as we need to be able to see what the presents are if we need to switch it up. 

If you know you will be late to pick up your children after school please ring the office to let us know your expected time.
All students who have not been picked up by 3pm are expected to wait on the front steps of the Admin building until they are picked up.
We have a growing number of students being left past 3pm. A reminder that the school is closed at this time and we can not guarantee that there is someone onsite to supervise children.
If there is a regular day that you are unable to make 2.45pm pick up consider booking a space in after school care. twkprogrammes@gmail.com for enquiries.

Helping in the Parish and Church
Parish/Church working Bee 7 December (Saturday) 10am. Please come along to help if you are able. Bring buckets and cleaning cloths. There will be a list of jobs that need doing.

Parking
Just a friendly reminder to not park on any of the designated walkways or in the disabled parking around the Church, including the public footpath by the bus stop. Safe access is important for everyone. If the carpark is busy please park on the roads around school and walk to pick up your children. 

Ngā mihi nui
Erin Clayton (Principal) 

 

The Blue Beast Basketball Team played their final game for the season on Wednesday. Overall they managed to win 6 out of their 8 games and played in the final last night against the Horotiu Hawkes. The Blue Beasts ended up runner up, loosing 35-15, however played an amazing game against a great opponent. This was their best term. The whole team worked really hard this season and it definitely showed. This Team is coached by a dad and supported by the parents. We would love to see more Basketball Teams play next year. If you are interested please see Tracey Vanxay. 

There are still OUTSTANDING Library Books that need to be returned back to school. If your child is in these classrooms - Tui, Ruru A, Ruru B, Korimako, Kiwi, Hoiho, please make sure their books are returned. Thank you

Our school is growing and we would like to welcome some new staff to our team for the new year.

My name is Elly, I am a first-year beginning teacher and I am lucky enough to be working in my own classroom at St Pius X School in 2025. I am from New Plymouth, Taranaki. I moved to Hamilton in 2022 to pursue a career in primary school teaching. I have always had a passion for working with children and I love seeing students grow in positive and inclusive learning environments. I really value building strong relationships with all tamariki and find it so rewarding to see them feel supported, valued, and ready to learn. In my spare time, you will find me hiking, running and spending time with my family and friends. 

I am so excited to begin my teaching journey at St Pius X in 2025. 
Ngā mihi

Kia Ora, my name is Pauline Schmidt. I began my teaching career at St Peter’s Catholic school, Cambridge and have spent the past 13 years at St Columba’s in Frankton. I love teaching in Catholic schools, sharing my faith, and nurturing the faith of the students. I’ve spent most of my time in the junior and middle school where I’ve developed strengths in all curriculum areas. I am married with three adult children - we all lead busy lives, but always find time for each other and especially enjoy getting together for a summer break. I also enjoy gardening, walking and exploring our beautiful country. I’ve heard so many positive comments about St Pius X and I’m really looking forward to starting next year.